MRI neurography findings in patients with idiopathic brachial plexopathy: correlations with clinical-neurophysiological data in eight consecutive cases

OBJECTIVE: Idiopathic brachial plexopathy is a non-progressive disorder characterized by the sudden onset of shoulder pain associated with weakness and sometimes paraesthesia of the arm. Clinical and electrophysiological examinations are the primary diagnostic tools and allow physicians to localize the site of damage. MRI neurography is rarely performed in this setting. METHODS: We herein describe the cases of eight consecutive patients suffering from idiopathic brachial plexopathy. All patients underwent clinical visits, neurophysiological evaluations and MRI neurography. RESULTS: We confirmed the primary role of clinical and neurophysiological evaluations in the diagnosis of idiopathic brachial plexopathy and demonstrate the usefulness of brachial plexus MRI neurography for confirming the presence of inflammatory changes. CONCLUSION: In patients with idiopathic brachial plexopathy, MR neurography is a helpful tool for excluding different aetiologies, such as compression or tumour formation, and/or confirming inflammatory changes.